| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Holyoke/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,016 | n/a (estimate) | 5,273 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 7.8 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 30 | n/a | 78.5 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 54 | n/a | 141.2 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 311 | n/a | 813.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 398 | n/a (estimate) | 1,041 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 162 | n/a | 423.7 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,305 | n/a | 3,413.4 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 151 | n/a | 395.0 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,618 | n/a (estimate) | 4,232 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Holyoke is 148.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Holyoke, there were 398 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1041 per 100,000 individuals, 189.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1618 property crimes, amounting to 4232 per 100,000 residents, 140.4% higher than the U.S. average.
In Holyoke, the crime rate stands at 5273 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 148.82%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Holyoke that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Holyoke has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1041 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Holyoke falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 97 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Holyoke reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4232 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Holyoke, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Holyoke. Based on the results of the surveys (48 responses), 27% of people felt that there was very little crime in Holyoke and felt safe walking alone at night. While 73% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Holyoke is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Holyoke has a total crime rate that is 149% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.52 daily crimes (1.09 violent daily crimes and 4.43 daily property crimes) in Holyoke.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Holyoke. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Holyoke has increased by 21%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 8.5%, while property crime has increased by 24.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Holyoke.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Holyoke, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Holyoke, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.4 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Holyoke are $1,293, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Holyoke | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 137 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hatfield, MA | 1,180 | 60 | 121 | 181 |
| North Granby, CT | 1,470 | 29 | 295 | 324 |
| Granby, MA | 1,221 | 50 | 298 | 347 |
| Russell, MA | 678 | 181 | 241 | 422 |
| Amherst Center, MA | 20,556 | 160 | 307 | 466 |
| Easthampton Town, MA | 16,466 | 206 | 463 | 669 |
| Longmeadow, MA | 16,275 | 94 | 592 | 686 |
| Holyoke, MA | 41,439 | 1,041 | 4,232 | 5,273 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| The Acreage, FL | 41,413 | 120 | 641 | 761 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 41,479 | 623 | 2,456 | 3,080 |
| Streamwood, IL | 41,397 | 129 | 706 | 835 |
| Spanish Fork, UT | 41,496 | 75 | 705 | 780 |
| Gallatin, TN | 41,372 | 208 | 749 | 957 |
| Holyoke, MA | 41,439 | 1,041 | 4,232 | 5,273 |
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